Cathedral Rock and Horse Heaven Wilderness Proposals Are A Win-Win

Words cannot express our disappointment at seeing the full-page ad for Camel tobacco in the March 11 issue of The Source Weekly. Whatever money has been paid to you to display this ad cannot cover over the stain on an otherwise fine publication. Consider the damage done to individuals, families and whole societies by the tobacco industry. Ponder the misery and death resulting from their addictive products, whether smoked or smokeless.
We recognize that turning away R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company might not be an easy decision, considering the kind of money they are able to pay for a page in your paper. We have enjoyed reading The Source Weekly for free since you began publication, but starting today we can pay our share to convince you to send Camel and its ilk packing. We are sending $75, your annual subscription charge, and we encourage every other reader who cares about the health of our community to do the same. It will be a bargain.

How would you feel if your Constitutional rights had not been granted to you for 142 years? If you had been ridiculed, spat upon, beaten, even murdered. If you were discriminated against in housing, the work place, and places like restaurants. If you were told you were “evil” and “a sinner” in the eyes of religious sorts. If every time you risked a try for your rights you were put down and told implicitly that you were second-class citizens? One-hundred forty-two years ago is when Amendment 14 became part of the U.S. Constitution (1868). Sec. 1 states: “nor deny any person within its jurisdiction equal protection of the laws.”

I was gonna get a card… However due to the random act of kindness recently bestowed upon me, I believe a letter to be more appropriate.
I am a single mother living in Bend and my son and I love being part of this beautiful community. We have recently gone through a huge transition in our lives and – do I even need to say it? – money is tight. That being said, I must also tell you that I am the proud owner of a Volkswagen Vanagon – not exactly the best car to own if you're broke. Don't get me wrong; I love my bus. It's my dream car when it's running, which really isn't all that often. This comes as no surprise to most of you, I'm sure.